Today, Governor Heineman signed landmark legislation that can help position Nebraska for a brighter future in the innovation-based economy of the 21st century. LB 1116, which provides for the transfer of State Fair Park to the University of Nebraska for the new Innovation Campus, represents a clear statement from the Legislature and the Governor that Nebraska will move forward to leverage the impressive research growth of the University for the economic growth of the state.

Innovation Campus will create new opportunities for synergy between the public and private sectors, and contribute to economic vitality in Nebraska. We are excited about the opportunities for the development of a research and development campus, and we are fully committed to its success.

The fundamental role of a public university is to serve its state. Innovation Campus is one important strategy for ensuring that our state is able to provide the kind of innovation-based economic opportunity necessary to support a high quality of life for our citizens.